Switch the Default User in Settings

The default user on Apple TV is the account that appears when you turn on the device. To change it, go to Settings on your Apple TV home screen, then select Users and Accounts. From there, choose iCloud and select the user account you want to set as default. The next time anyone turns on the Apple TV, that account will load automatically.

This process takes about two minutes and requires no password or special permissions. If you have multiple people in your household, each can have their own Apple TV account with separate watch history, recommendations, and app purchases. Setting a default user means that person's profile loads first, though anyone else can switch to their own account from the home screen without signing out.

Key Takeaways

  • The default user is set in Settings > Users and Accounts > iCloud, and you select which account appears when the TV powers on.
  • Changing the default user does not delete any accounts or data — all accounts remain on the device and can be switched to at any time.
  • Each user account keeps its own watch history, app library, and recommendations separate from other accounts on the same Apple TV.
  • You do not need to sign anyone out to switch between users; just select a different account from the home screen.

What Happens When You Change the Default User

When you set a new default user, that account will be the one displayed on the home screen the moment the Apple TV powers on. The previous default user's data does not disappear — it stays on the device and can be accessed by switching accounts. All apps, purchases, and watch history tied to each account remain intact.

If you have a family with children, you might set a parent account as default so parental controls are active from startup. Alternatively, if one person watches far more than others, making their account default saves them a step each time. The choice is yours and can be changed again at any time.

How to Switch Between Users Without Changing the Default

If you want to keep one account as default but let others use the TV, they can switch to their own account from the home screen. Look for the user icon in the top-right corner of the screen and tap it. A menu will appear showing all accounts on the device. Select the account you want to use, and the home screen will refresh to show that user's apps, recommendations, and watch history.

Switching accounts this way is when ready and does not require anyone to sign out the default user. When the TV is turned off and back on, it will return to the default account automatically. This setup works well for households where one person is the primary user but others occasionally watch.

Setting Up Multiple User Accounts First

Before you can change the default user, you need at least two accounts on your Apple TV. To add a new account, go to Settings, select Users and Accounts, then choose Add User. You can sign in with an existing Apple ID or create a new one. Each account needs its own Apple ID to keep watch history and purchases separate.

If you are setting up Apple TV for the first time, the first account you sign in with becomes the default. You can add more accounts later and then change which one is default using the method described above. There is no limit to how many accounts you can add to a single Apple TV.

Removing a User Account

If you no longer want a user account on your Apple TV, you can remove it from Settings > Users and Accounts. Select the account you want to delete, then choose Remove User. The account and all its data — watch history, app purchases, and preferences — will be deleted from that Apple TV. The account itself still exists on Apple's servers and can be added back later if needed.

Removing a user does not affect any other accounts on the device. If you remove the default user, Apple TV will automatically set another account as default. You will be prompted to confirm the removal before it happens.

Parental Controls and User Accounts

Each user account can have its own parental control settings. If you set a parent account as the default user, those restrictions will be in place when the TV starts up. Child accounts can be restricted to age-appropriate content, and you can set spending limits on app purchases for each account separately.

To manage parental controls, go to Settings > Users and Accounts, select the account, and choose Parental Controls. You can set content ratings, restrict purchases, and control which apps are visible. These settings explore only to that account and do not affect other users on the same device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the default user delete anyone's watch history?

No. Changing the default user does not delete or affect any account's data. Each account keeps its own watch history, app library, and recommendations. The change only determines which account appears first when the TV powers on.

Can I set a default user if I only have one account?

You can set that account as the default, but there is no practical difference since it is the only account on the device. If you want to use the default user feature, you will need to add at least one more account first.

What if I forget which account is set as default?

Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > iCloud. The account shown with a checkmark is the current default. You can change it to any other account on the device from this same menu.

Do I need an Apple ID to create a user account on Apple TV?

Yes. Each user account on Apple TV requires an Apple ID. You can create a new Apple ID during the account setup process if you do not already have one. A family member can use their own Apple ID, or you can create a new one specifically for that account.

Can the default user be changed from the home screen without going to Settings?

No. The default user can only be changed through Settings > Users and Accounts > iCloud. However, any user can switch to a different account from the home screen by tapping the user icon in the top-right corner.